Kraken vs Gemini in comparison

Kraken vs Gemini: Fees, Coins and US Access Compared

In our view, Kraken is the better exchange for most readers. Kraken Pro begins at 0.40% for makers and 0.80% for takers, whereas Gemini ActiveTrader sits at 0.60% and 1.20%. Kraken also offers a wider selection of crypto assets. However, Gemini is the alternative for those residing in New York or Maine, regions Kraken does not cover, or if you are interested in US features like the Gemini credit card. Gemini has shut down its accounts in the UK, the EEA, and Australia and says it continues to operate in the US and Singapore. Consequently, individuals in those three regions can only choose Kraken.

Trading fees

For order-book trading, Kraken is more economical. At the initial tier, Kraken Pro charges 0.40% on maker orders and 0.80% on taker orders, whereas Gemini ActiveTrader charges 0.60% and 1.20%. This makes Gemini's entry rates one and a half times those of Kraken. Both exchanges reduce their rates as your 30-day trading volume increases or as you maintain more assets with them.

Using the simple app screens incurs higher fees on both platforms. Kraken applies a 1% fee to instant and recurring purchases, and the price includes a spread. Gemini does not list a fixed rate for simple mode, determining the fee for each order based on factors like payment method and order size, and presents it before confirmation. It also includes a spread in instant and recurring orders. If you purchase regularly, we believe that using the order-book screens provides a cheaper option on either exchange.

Funding, cards and withdrawals

Both exchanges accept free ACH transfers for dollar deposits and withdrawals. However, card purchases are where Gemini is more cost-effective: a debit card purchase costs 3.49% on Gemini and $0.25 plus 3.75% on Kraken. Neither accepts credit cards from US customers, with Kraken only supporting debit cards for US clients and Gemini not accepting any credit cards. Wire withdrawals cost $25 at Gemini, compared to $4 for a FedWire withdrawal at Kraken.

For Bitcoin withdrawals, Kraken publishes a variable fee per coin and network, while Gemini charges a dynamic fee aimed at covering network costs, which is displayed before withdrawal.

Where you can use them

Gemini is available in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. Kraken serves US clients in every state except New York and Maine. Some products are location-dependent: Gemini Stocks is unavailable to US residents in Texas, Gemini's Asset Rewards staking is closed to New York residents, and Kraken offers on-chain staking only in certain states, excluding California and Texas.

Gemini says its business continues in the US and Singapore after it closed all customer accounts in the UK, the EEA and Australia in April 2026. Kraken still serves clients in the UK and Australia and holds MiCA authorization in the EU from the Central Bank of Ireland, so for readers in the UK, the EEA and Australia, Kraken is the only option of the two.

Coins and products

Kraken offers a significantly larger number of crypto assets than Gemini, as reflected in the table above. Both platforms provide commission-free US stocks and ETFs: Kraken to clients in selected states, and Gemini to US residents outside Texas and Guam. For leverage, Kraken Pro offers spot margin up to 10x and extends margin trading to eligible US retail clients, while Gemini limits spot margin to 5x and restricts it to eligible contract participants outside New York. Kraken also offers US traders CFTC-regulated futures via Kraken Derivatives US, while Gemini's perpetual futures are not open to US persons.

Gemini presents its own US products: a credit card available to residents in all 50 states and Gemini Predictions, which are CFTC-regulated event contracts for US users.

Ease of use

We rate both the same for beginners. Gemini's app focuses on instant and recurring buys, with ActiveTrader as a separate interface for order-book trading, charts, and the API. Kraken adopts a similar approach: the Kraken app manages instant buys and staking, while Kraken Pro includes advanced orders, margin, and futures. We rate Kraken slightly better for operation, and for anyone who trades often, the fee gap matters more in our view than the layout.

Gemini provides support via a web request form and email, with a 24/7 phone line available exclusively for its credit card holders. We rate Kraken significantly higher for support.

Security and track record

Neither exchange covers all of your crypto with insurance. Kraken's legal disclosures indicate that digital assets and Kraken accounts lack insurance against losses. Gemini's user agreement mentions digital assets are not 100% insured, though its annual report outlines $25 million in crime insurance for its hot wallet and $100 million in specie insurance for cold storage. US dollar balances at Gemini might qualify for FDIC pass-through insurance up to $250,000 per customer.

Kraken publishes proof of reserves: the latest snapshot we read shows a 102.9% reserve ratio for BTC, attested by The Network Firm LLP. We did not find a proof-of-reserves report from Gemini, which describes itself as a full-reserve exchange and custodian and releases SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 reports. Both exchanges maintain ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.

Both exchanges have a regulatory history. Kraken paid $30 million in 2023 to settle SEC charges over its US staking program, with a separate SEC case dismissed with prejudice in March 2025. Gemini's former Earn program lent customer crypto to Genesis, with Earn users reclaiming their assets in kind in 2024. Gemini Trust Company paid a $37 million civil penalty under a consent order with the NYDFS and contributed $40 million to the recovery of Earn users, and the SEC dismissed its Earn case against Gemini Trust Company in January 2026 without any payment.

Our verdict by criterion

Overall we rate Kraken higher: it costs less to trade, lists more coins and scores better for support.

• Fees and costs: Kraken, which we rate much higher
• Range of functions and operation: Kraken
• Security and trust: Kraken, which we rate higher
• Beginner friendliness: we rate them the same
• Support: Kraken
• Reach in the US: Gemini, which serves every state

Still undecided? Our list of exchanges for US customers offers more US options, and Coinbase vs Kraken and Coinbase vs Gemini introduce a third exchange into the decision-making process. For the full picture of each platform, consult our Kraken review and our Gemini review.

Questions about Kraken and Gemini

Is Kraken cheaper than Gemini?

For order-book trading, it is: Kraken Pro begins at 0.40% maker and 0.80% taker rates, while Gemini ActiveTrader starts at 0.60% and 1.20%. Debit card purchases are the exception, costing 3.49% on Gemini versus $0.25 plus 3.75% on Kraken.

Can you use Kraken or Gemini in New York?

Gemini is available: Gemini Trust Company, a New York trust company, holds a license from the NYDFS. Kraken does not serve residents of New York or Maine.

Is crypto on Kraken or Gemini insured?

Not in full. Kraken states that digital assets and accounts lack insurance against losses. Similarly, Gemini notes that digital assets are not 100% insured, though it maintains crime insurance for its hot wallet and specie insurance for cold storage.